This theatre sounded very quaint in a quaint NC community. It being art deco made it very special, imo, and now it is gone forever like so many others.
sam_e: Always good to read your posts on the Buffalo theatre scene both then and now. The saying “the more things change the more they stay the same” isn’t always true and certainly not in the theatre world. The one theatre that comes to mind is the Roxy in NYC with that photo of Gloria Swanson among the ruins! Such a shame to have lost that theatre.
And in the current issue of Heritage there is a photo of the former Hens and Kelly department store which was a famous landmark/store in its day! Sometimes I wish I could take a time machine back and make these wonderful vintage photos come alive as I would certainly check out many of the grand theatres, but thank goodness Buffalo still has the beautiful Shea’s. The lobby is awesome and one that shouldn’t be missed by any theatre buff.
I wish the City of Buffalo had left Main as it were and not closed it to traffic, only pedestrians as it sure changed the look and feel. When I look at the 50’s postcard photo and all of the cars back then it’s like looking at a cruise-in today with the old gems. I especially like the T-bird heading east on Main and the lady crossing the street with her stylish skirt.
sam_e: Thanks for that information so the next time I’m in downtown Buffalo on Main I’ll be sure to look around (and up)even more closely. I’ll be there for a Shea’s production of Mamma Mia in October, but will not wait until then.
I just sent Cass Warner Sperling an email and inserted this Warner link as I’m sure she’ll find it most interesting as are the other Warner theatres listed on CT.
The fact that the architect, John Eberson built this one makes it even more wonderful to know that this theatre still stands as one in Butler PA was torn down to build a bank! Interesting to read that some feel the theatre balcony is haunted like some old houses as there will always be folks who believe the stories for whatever reason(s).
Bart: Your report on a theatre with the Warner name was interesting though I wish the interior had stayed a single screen venue. There is an annual Harry M. Warner Silent Film Festival in New Castle PA each April. I met Harry’s granddaughter, Cass Warner and she signed her book, Hollywood Be Thy Name. If you have interest in the personal Warner Brothers story, I recommend it. The festival website is http://academics.sru.edu/warner/index.htm
Lost Memory: These photo comparisons especially the present day one is fascinating to look at. I, for one, would rather see the old scene still in existence and NOT that condo building, etc. I noticed the church steeple in the background of both photos so at least they didn’t tear down that church in the name of progress!
Vincent: If you really want to see a beauty that is no longer with us, check out the Palace in Youngstown OH. I was almost brought to tears when I saw that theatre’s interior and read it’s history.
And the best part of all of this Paramount discussion is that there wasn’t an unkind word written about anything or anyone which is very much appreciated as I wouldn’t want to ever lose ‘our’ wonderful Cinema Treasures website/forum.
For the past several days all of my CT notices have basically been #3701 so I know that interest in the Paramount has really been created over the past several days. And on behalf of myself and the many CT members I will thank my friend, Jerry for his great help and research.
Vincent: A very good question and one I hope we can ‘get our hands on’ as I especially would like to see interior photos of this one that once stood…as Lost Memory posted earlier….“somewhere on Main”. I know that Chuck and Lost Memory have provided photos in regards to other theatres across the country so maybe with a little more ‘sleuthing’ we can find a photo(s)! I also belong to a true crime website so I guess the term, sleuthing, is appropriate for me. And now I need to see if I can talk Jerry into becoming a CT member as I think after all of this Paramount Theatre sleuthing he may have caught the incurable theatre ‘bug’!
I think that we all know by now that “620” is the wrong address. However, being one who never gives up, I went back to my 1936 Buffalo City Directory, and found out that the reason why I couldn’t find a listing for the Great Lakes Theater was because the name of the theater was the “Shea’s Great Lakes Theater” and it was listed under “S” rather than “G” in the Motion Picture section of the directory. So…… with that said, is everybody ready for the address of record? (drum roll, please): 612-614 Main Street.
The building that is now City Centre is the building that the Paramount was in. It was gutted and several stories were added to it. As Doug mentioned, the first two stories of City Centre retain the facade of the theater. I have no idea what could have been on the upper floors of this building when it was a theater.
Perhaps a post to the Buffalo History Yahoo Group may bring out some memories.
I never noticed the seat capacity of this former theatre and was surprised to see the number over 3,000! Good question about an address that would be attached to any of the items in storage. Perhaps I can find out, but keep your fingers crossed as it might be harder to get that question answered.
Lost Memory: I just received this information….The first two floors of the Main Street façade are original to the building. The ticket booth was given to Theater Place. Also 6 of the 8' marble columns are still in storage in a local warehouse. The capitals and bases were plaster and did not survive. The original auditorium was demolished long before and what was left was mostly stripped before the buyer bought it.
old theater lover: “Even then I was in awe of the historic look, the orchestra pit, stage, large red curtains, lights on the wall, everything.” It’s a shame that this Warner is gone though your Warner interior memories remain. Good luck with your research/book as your community should have these theatres written about in a book for future generations. I’m sure you know about Images of America who has done at least one book about theatres of San Francisco so you might contact them to help you with a book. Their website is www.arcadiapublishing.com
old theatre lover: I know a man in Erie PA who was in the theatre/drive-in movie business. He HAD many old theatre posters and now they are, as you say….“worth a fortune”. This man has several theatre albums that cover the history of theatres over the many years in Erie PA. Fortunately, Erie still has their beautiful Warner Theatre on State Street (listed on CT), but there was a Shea’s Theatre nearby that is now the Avalon Hotel. Many of the former theatres in Erie are listed on CT.
“It was demolished in 1976 to make way for a bank building.” It had the WARNER name on it…such a shame to lose that theatre name for a bank, but at least the site isn’t another unused parking lot!
“The last of the single screen theatres in Lawrence, MA.” And yes, is this theatre still standing? It would be nice to think that the folks of Lawrence have saved this one after losing all of the many theatres in their community.
Why would someone change the original name from Granada to Suburban World? The name change reminds me of a B movie title.
This theatre sounded very quaint in a quaint NC community. It being art deco made it very special, imo, and now it is gone forever like so many others.
I can’t believe that Greensboro chose to demolish this theatre for whatever reason(s).
Go to this Cinema Tour site and you can view 2 vintage National Theatre photos. http://www.cinematour.com/tour/us/18735.html
Lost Memory: Great article about the former theatres of Greenville SC which I forwarded to my Buffalo friend, Jerry.
sam_e: Always good to read your posts on the Buffalo theatre scene both then and now. The saying “the more things change the more they stay the same” isn’t always true and certainly not in the theatre world. The one theatre that comes to mind is the Roxy in NYC with that photo of Gloria Swanson among the ruins! Such a shame to have lost that theatre.
And in the current issue of Heritage there is a photo of the former Hens and Kelly department store which was a famous landmark/store in its day! Sometimes I wish I could take a time machine back and make these wonderful vintage photos come alive as I would certainly check out many of the grand theatres, but thank goodness Buffalo still has the beautiful Shea’s. The lobby is awesome and one that shouldn’t be missed by any theatre buff.
I wish the City of Buffalo had left Main as it were and not closed it to traffic, only pedestrians as it sure changed the look and feel. When I look at the 50’s postcard photo and all of the cars back then it’s like looking at a cruise-in today with the old gems. I especially like the T-bird heading east on Main and the lady crossing the street with her stylish skirt.
sam_e: Thanks for that information so the next time I’m in downtown Buffalo on Main I’ll be sure to look around (and up)even more closely. I’ll be there for a Shea’s production of Mamma Mia in October, but will not wait until then.
I just sent Cass Warner Sperling an email and inserted this Warner link as I’m sure she’ll find it most interesting as are the other Warner theatres listed on CT.
The fact that the architect, John Eberson built this one makes it even more wonderful to know that this theatre still stands as one in Butler PA was torn down to build a bank! Interesting to read that some feel the theatre balcony is haunted like some old houses as there will always be folks who believe the stories for whatever reason(s).
Bart: Your report on a theatre with the Warner name was interesting though I wish the interior had stayed a single screen venue. There is an annual Harry M. Warner Silent Film Festival in New Castle PA each April. I met Harry’s granddaughter, Cass Warner and she signed her book, Hollywood Be Thy Name. If you have interest in the personal Warner Brothers story, I recommend it. The festival website is http://academics.sru.edu/warner/index.htm
Lost Memory: These photo comparisons especially the present day one is fascinating to look at. I, for one, would rather see the old scene still in existence and NOT that condo building, etc. I noticed the church steeple in the background of both photos so at least they didn’t tear down that church in the name of progress!
Vincent: If you really want to see a beauty that is no longer with us, check out the Palace in Youngstown OH. I was almost brought to tears when I saw that theatre’s interior and read it’s history.
And the best part of all of this Paramount discussion is that there wasn’t an unkind word written about anything or anyone which is very much appreciated as I wouldn’t want to ever lose ‘our’ wonderful Cinema Treasures website/forum.
For the past several days all of my CT notices have basically been #3701 so I know that interest in the Paramount has really been created over the past several days. And on behalf of myself and the many CT members I will thank my friend, Jerry for his great help and research.
Vincent: A very good question and one I hope we can ‘get our hands on’ as I especially would like to see interior photos of this one that once stood…as Lost Memory posted earlier….“somewhere on Main”. I know that Chuck and Lost Memory have provided photos in regards to other theatres across the country so maybe with a little more ‘sleuthing’ we can find a photo(s)! I also belong to a true crime website so I guess the term, sleuthing, is appropriate for me. And now I need to see if I can talk Jerry into becoming a CT member as I think after all of this Paramount Theatre sleuthing he may have caught the incurable theatre ‘bug’!
I think that we all know by now that “620” is the wrong address. However, being one who never gives up, I went back to my 1936 Buffalo City Directory, and found out that the reason why I couldn’t find a listing for the Great Lakes Theater was because the name of the theater was the “Shea’s Great Lakes Theater” and it was listed under “S” rather than “G” in the Motion Picture section of the directory. So…… with that said, is everybody ready for the address of record? (drum roll, please): 612-614 Main Street.
The building that is now City Centre is the building that the Paramount was in. It was gutted and several stories were added to it. As Doug mentioned, the first two stories of City Centre retain the facade of the theater. I have no idea what could have been on the upper floors of this building when it was a theater.
Perhaps a post to the Buffalo History Yahoo Group may bring out some memories.
Jerry
I never noticed the seat capacity of this former theatre and was surprised to see the number over 3,000! Good question about an address that would be attached to any of the items in storage. Perhaps I can find out, but keep your fingers crossed as it might be harder to get that question answered.
Lost Memory: I just received this information….The first two floors of the Main Street façade are original to the building. The ticket booth was given to Theater Place. Also 6 of the 8' marble columns are still in storage in a local warehouse. The capitals and bases were plaster and did not survive. The original auditorium was demolished long before and what was left was mostly stripped before the buyer bought it.
Lost Memory: Great idea! LOL!
old theater lover: “Even then I was in awe of the historic look, the orchestra pit, stage, large red curtains, lights on the wall, everything.” It’s a shame that this Warner is gone though your Warner interior memories remain. Good luck with your research/book as your community should have these theatres written about in a book for future generations. I’m sure you know about Images of America who has done at least one book about theatres of San Francisco so you might contact them to help you with a book. Their website is www.arcadiapublishing.com
old theatre lover: I know a man in Erie PA who was in the theatre/drive-in movie business. He HAD many old theatre posters and now they are, as you say….“worth a fortune”. This man has several theatre albums that cover the history of theatres over the many years in Erie PA. Fortunately, Erie still has their beautiful Warner Theatre on State Street (listed on CT), but there was a Shea’s Theatre nearby that is now the Avalon Hotel. Many of the former theatres in Erie are listed on CT.
“It was demolished in 1976 to make way for a bank building.” It had the WARNER name on it…such a shame to lose that theatre name for a bank, but at least the site isn’t another unused parking lot!
“The last of the single screen theatres in Lawrence, MA.” And yes, is this theatre still standing? It would be nice to think that the folks of Lawrence have saved this one after losing all of the many theatres in their community.